This lecture critically examines the transformative impact of generative AI technologies on education, the information ecosystem and society since ChatGPT's release in late 2022. Professor Jon Cardoso-Silva will analyse what major reports from organisations such as UNESCO and OECD have concluded about AI's reshaping of education, knowledge work, and information consumption, distinguishing between genuine innovation and marketing hype.

The lecture explores a concerning trend: as AI tools become increasingly embedded in our society, we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how humans interact with knowledge. The growing tendency to delegate cognitive tasks to AI systems, termed "cognitive offloading," raises important questions about the preservation of critical thinking skills in an AI-augmented world. Recent studies have identified correlations between heavy AI usage and diminished analytical abilities, particularly among younger users who demonstrate greater dependence on these tools.

Through evidence-based analysis and real-world examples, Jon Cardoso-Silva will address pivotal questions: How is AI redefining what it means to learn and know? How are we to find a balance between genuine good use of these tools with maintaining our cognitive autonomy? What approaches can educational institutions and organisations adopt to harness AI's benefits while preserving human intellectual development?

The lecture will conclude with practical considerations for maintaining a balance between technological enhancement and critical human engagement in our rapidly evolving information landscape.